Floating collapsible utility trailer

ABSTRACT

This invention describes a float able, collapsible utility trailer which can be filled with gear and towed behind a boat or, alternatively, pulled behind a person on dry land. The unit is collapsible for easy carrying and storage and comes with a carrying handle.

[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.10/043,980 filed Jan 9, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] In the field of utility trailers, persons are at a disadvantageif they wish to carry extra objects when they go boating. Most trailersthat are currently available, are either designed with very largecapacities in mind, or are made specifically to convert into a boat.Examples of existing designs include trailers that are towed behind amotor-vehicle and are easily converted to either a motorized boat, anon-motorized boat, or a boat-like object. The current designs aredesigned with personal water-craft and small boat owners in mind whowould like to carry extra objects such as coolers, canopies, beachchairs, etc. outside the boat area. This aggravates the problem of spaceconsumption that the all carry-on items create, or in the case ofpersonal crafts, is not available at all.

[0004] The current invention is a small collapsible trailer that is madefrom a flexible material, which makes the trailer very easy to collapseinto a smaller size than it takes up when in use. The trailer is pulledlike a wagon, then launched into the water, It can then be pulled fromthe water behind a PC or boat. The current invention is specificallydesigned for carrying bulky objects, such as water coolers, thatordinarily would take up too much space in small boats or is notavailable to personal water-craft owners. The current invention is watertight, and is designed to be towed behind a small boat or personalwater-craft on the water. When the carry-on objects are in the utilitytrailer, more space is made available in the boat.

[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0006] Collapsible utility trailers are known in the art.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,940,813 discloses a collapsible trailer boatwherein the fore part and after part are hinged together so that thetrailer can be pivotally moved. When open, the trailer represents a boatin the shape of a catamaran. The after portion of the boat hasprovisions to mount an outboard motor. When closed, the fore part restson the after part with the fore part's bottom facing upwards. The afterportion of the trailer/boat may be used as a single-room home when onland, while the fore part may be used as a separate craft

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,973 discloses a boat having a front sectionand a rear section where the front section may be pivoted until it restsover the rear portion, forming a storage compartment. The trailer/boathas wheels that may be retracted. The patent also discloses thetrailer/boat being capable of use as a sleeping or living quarters.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,659,464 discloses a hinged boat, shaped cargocarrier that is capable of being made water and dirt tight. Theinvention is made to be carried on top of a motor-vehicle.

[0010] The foregoing descriptions of prior art patents disclose trailersthat all are made from hard materials and are all hinged at a centerarea to fold closed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention offers a solution to the shortcomings ofthe prior art inventions

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a trailer thatis small enough to be easily carried inside a motor vehicle. This willmake it relatively easy for persons with small craft to carry thetrailer without measurable loss of valuable space.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to wheels that easilyrotate to which will allow the owner easy movement from the motorvehicle to the water, and return. The invention has straps mounted onthe sides that allow for easy securing to the craft when in the water,allowing for towing the invention in the water on the side of thepersonal watercraft.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is that the trailer isfabricated from soft materials such as but not limited to vinyl, plasticand like materials that are easily sealed and made waterproof, as wellas flexible. These materials allow the trailer to be made water tight,allowing the trailer to be towed behind or attached to the side of aboat. This advantage frees up valuable space in small personal boats.The trailer can be easily collapsed creating a small footprint forstorage. Fabricating the present invention from soft materials has theadditional benefit of making the floating trailer light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] 1. Figure one shows the utility trailer in Top View.

[0016] 2. Figure two shows the utility trailer in a view looking up atthe bottom of the trailer.

[0017] 3. Figure three is a side view of the right (starboard) side ofthe utility trailer.

[0018] 4. Figure four is a view looking aft at the bow of the utilitytrailer, also denoted as View A.

[0019] 5. Figure five is a view looking forward from the stern of theutility trailer, also denoted as View B.

[0020] 6. Figure six is a top view of the utility trailer showing thetop compartment sealed with a zipper like apparatus.

[0021] 7. Figure seven is a view looking forward from the front of thetrailer into the utility trailer, showing the horizontal and verticalinternal compartments deployed.

[0022] 8. Figure eight shows the utility trailer in a collapsed storableposition with holding straps.

[0023] 9. Figure nine shows an end view of the utility trailer in acollapsed storable position showing the stowed position of the bottomsupports and flotation devices.

[0024] 10. Figure ten shows a 3 dimensional perspective view of thetrailer and how each component collapses to create a storable utilitytrailer.

[0025] 11. Figure eleven shows a detailed view of a spreader bar, alsoknown as view C.

[0026] 12. Figure twelve shows a detailed view of a wheel assembly.

[0027] 13. Figure thirteen shows an exploded isometric view of a secondembodiment

[0028] 14. Figure fourteen shows a top view of the second embodiment

[0029] 15. Figure fifteen shows a left side view of the secondembodiment

[0030] 16. Figure sixteen shows a front view of the second embodiment

[0031] 17. Figure seventeen shows a rear view of the second embodiment

[0032] 18. Figure eighteen shows a bottom view of the second embodiment

[0033] 19. Figure nineteen shows an isometric view of the storagecompartment

[0034] 20. Figure twenty shows a cross sectional view of the crosssupport

[0035] 21. Figure twenty one shows an installed wheel assembly

[0036] 22. Figure twenty two shows a second embodiment of an installedwheel assembly

[0037] 23. Figure twenty three shows the third embodiment of a floatingcollapsible utility trailer in isometric view

[0038] 24. Figure twenty four is an isometric view without the cargocompartment

[0039] 25. Figure twenty five is a view looking up at the bottom of thefloating collapsible utility trailer

[0040] 26. Figure twenty six shows the floating collapsible utilitytrailer in its stowed form

[0041] 27. Figure twenty eight shows a cross-sectional view of thefloating collapsible utility trailer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in manydifferent forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein bedescribed in detail, one specific embodiment, with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit theinvention to the embodiment illustrated.

[0043] Figure one in the drawings shows the top view of the utilitytrailer (1) which depicts a first lower flotation support (3) and asecond lower flotation support (5). The utility trailer has a port (orright) side (2), a starboard (or left) side (4), a stern (or back) (12)and a bow (or front) (14) of the utility trailer (1). The bottom (7) ofthe utility trailer (1) has a multiplicity of bottom supports (9) thebottom supports running in the fore and aft direction of the utilitytrailer (1). The front (10) of the utility trailer (1) has a first bowflotation support (11), a second bow flotation support (13), a centralbow flotation support (15) and a tow hitch (17) with a tow loop (19).

[0044]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the utility trailer (1) which reveals afirst wheel assembly (21) a second wheel assembly (23), a third wheelassembly (25) and a fourth wheel assembly (27). The first wheel assembly(21) and the fourth wheel assembly (27) are mounted on a first bottomsupport rail (41). The second wheel assembly (23) and the third wheelassembly (25) are mounted on a second bottom support rail (43) and arearranged so as to create a quadrilateral relationship between the firstwheel assembly (21), the second wheel assembly (23), the third wheelassembly (25) and the fourth wheel assembly (27), where each wheelassembly is positioned in a vertex of the quadrilateral. Also shown is afirst trailer spreader bar assembly (29) with a first threadedreceptacle (31) in the second bottom support rail (43) to receiveablysecure the first trailer spreader bar assembly (29). There is a secondtrailer spreader bar assembly (33) with a second threaded receptacle(35) mounted on the first bottom support rail (41) to receiveably securethe second trailer spreader bar assembly (33). In addition there is afirst pivot (37) attached to the first bottom support rail (41) for thefirst trailer spreader bar assembly (29) and a second pivot (39)attached to the second bottom support rail (43) for the second trailerspreader bar assembly (33). As depicted in Figure two, the firstspreader bar assembly (29) pivots about the first pivot (37) and issecured by a first clamp (90) which is mounted on the first bottomsupport rail (41). The second spreader bar assembly (33) pivots aboutthe second pivot (39) and is secured by a second clamp (91) which ismounted on the second bottom support rail (43).

[0045] Figure three shows a side view of the right side of the utilitytrailer and shows the first bottom support rail (41) and wheel assembly(21) which is located toward the front (10) of the utility trailer (1)and mounted thereon. The fourth wheel assembly (27) is located towardthe back (12) of the utility trailer (1). The first lower flotationsupport (3), the first bow flotation support (11) and the tow hitch (17)are seen in the side view. Additionally, the first bow flotation support(11) has a zipper (53) located on the first bow flotation support's (11)side and when the zipper (53) is unfastened, an opening (54) is createdallowing a removable flotation support (51) to be pulled out forstorage. An analogous structure exists for the opposing (left) side.Also denoted in figure three is a collapsible storage compartment (92)which is depicted as a bellows type of structure.

[0046] Figure four (or view A) shows a view looking aft at the bow ofthe utility trailer (1) and shows the first bottom support rail (41) anda second bottom support rail (43) opposing the first bottom support rail(41). The second wheel assembly (23) is mounted on the second bottomsupport rail (43), and the first wheel assembly (21) is mounted on thefirst bottom support rail (41). A first clevis (37) is mounted onto thefirst bottom support rail (41). A first support rod (45) has on one enda threaded portion (67) and an opposing end a standard rod end (65). Thestandard rod end (65) located on the first support rod (45) is pivotablymounted in the first clevis (37) located on the first bottom supportrail (41). A rod cap (47) is threadably attached to the threaded portion(67) of the first support rod (45). Opposing the first clevis (37), andlocated on the second bottom support rail (43) is a first cavity (69)which is capable of firmly positioning the rod cap (47) when threadablyextended. The first support rod (45) is in a perpendicular orientationto the first bottom support rail (41) and the second bottom support rail(43) when the rod cap (47) is positioned in the first cavity (69)located in the second bottom support rail (43). The collapsible storagecompartment (92) is shown extending downwards and being secured on thefirst bottom support rail (41) and the second bottom support rail (43),and mounting the multiplicity of bottom supports (9) which is locatedwithin the collapsible storage compartment (92). When extended, thecollapsible storage compartment (92) defines an internal watertightcavity (93) that encases the first lower floatation support (3), thesecond lower flotation support (5), and the multiplicity of bottomsupports (9).

[0047] Figure five (or view B) shows a view looking from the bow to thestem of the utility trailer (1) and shows the first bottom support rail(41) and the second bottom support rail (43) opposing the first bottomsupport rail (41). The third wheel assembly (25) is mounted on thesecond bottom support rail (43), and the fourth wheel assembly (27) ismounted on the first bottom support rail (41). A second clevis (49) ismounted onto the second bottom support rail (43). A first support rod(45) has on one end a threaded portion (67) and an opposing end astandard rod end (65). The standard rod end (65) located on the firstsupport rod (45) is pivotably mounted in the second clevis (49) locatedon he second bottom support rail (43). An internally threaded rod cap(47) is threadably attached to the threaded portion (67) of the firstsupport rod (45). Opposing the second clevis (49) located on the firstbottom support rail (41) is a second cavity (71) which is capable offirmly positioning the rod cap (47) when extended. The first support rod(45) is in a perpendicular orientation to the first bottom support rail(41) and the second bottom support rail (43) when the rod cap (47) ispositioned in the second cavity (71) located in the first bottom supportrail (41). The collapsible storage compartment (92) is shown extendingdownwards and being secured onto the first bottom support rail (41) andthe second bottom support rail (43),

[0048] Figure six depicts a top view of the collapsible utility trailer(1) showing a top protective flap (55), a zipper (57) for the topprotective flap (55). Attached to the sides of the sides (59) of thecollapsible storage compartment (92) are a first starboard bow towingstrap (22), a second starboard stern towing strap (24), a third port bowtowing strap (26) and a fourth port stern towing strap (28). The towingstraps (22, 24, 26, 28) can be used to pull the utility trailer (1)while the utility trailer (1) is in the water.

[0049] Figure seven shows a side view of the collapsible storagecompartment (92), as seen from the bow of the collapsible utilitytrailer (1) looking to the stem. The collapsible storage compartment(92) has a pair of sides (59) opposing each other and a top portion (94)of the collapsible utility trailer (1). The top portion (94) showing thetop protective flap (55), partially unzipped, and ajar from the topportion (94) of the collapsible utility trailer (1). When thecollapsible storage compartment is expanded as shown, the pair of sides(59) show deployment of a vertical central deployable storagecompartment (61) and a horizontal central deployable storage compartment(63) the horizontal central deployable storage compartment (63) beingattached to the pair of sides (59) and the vertical deployable storagecompartment (61) being attached to the top portion (94) and the bottom(7) of the collapsible utility trailer (1).

[0050] Figure eight is a side view of the collapsed utility trailershowing a carrying handle (73) for carrying the trailer.

[0051] Figure nine is an end view of the collapsed utility trailershowing the first lower flotation support (3), the second lowerflotation support (5), the central bow flotation support (15), amultiplicity of bottom supports (9), the bottom (7) of the collapsibleutility trailer (1), an end view of a spreader bar assembly (29, 31) andthe carrying handle (73).

[0052] Figure ten illustrates, in three-dimensional perspective of howthe various components of the collapsible utility trailer (1) fold inupon themselves to create a collapsed utility trailer.

[0053] Figure eleven is a close up view of a spreader bar assembly(29,33) showing the spreader bar assemblies (29,33) with the support rod(45). The support rod has a standard rod end (65) on one end. A bolt(75) is shown attaching the standard rod end (65) of the spreader barassembly (29,33) to the corresponding clevis (37,39). A nut (77) fastenson to the bottom of the bolt (75) which passes through the correspondingclevis (37,39) and the standard rod end (65) allowing the spreader barassembly (29,33) to freely rotate. The other end of the support rod (45)is shown with the external threads that threadably mate with the end cap(47). A lock nut (79) is used to secure the position of the end cap (47)on an alignment stud (81) after the end cap is extended which willsecure the first bottom support rail (41) and the second bottom supportrail (43) in their respective separated positions for travel. Thealignment stud (81) is mounted and centered in the correspondingthreaded receptacle (31,35).

[0054] Figure twelve shows a close up view of a wheel assembly(21,23,25,27). A first nut and bolt assembly (83) passes through abottom support rail (41,43) and attaches a U-bracket (85) to the bottomsupport rail (41,43) where the nut and bolt assembly (83) may be madeloose enough to allow the wheel assembly (21,23,25,27) to rotateallowing for easy transport. A wheel (87) is centered within andattached to the U-bracket (85) with a second nut and bolt assembly (89)allowing the wheel (87) to freely rotate.

[0055] With respect to figure thirteen, a second embodiment of thecollapsible floating utility trailer (200) is shown having a first sidesupport rail (202) and a second side support rail (204). The first andsecond side support rail (202,204) are both arranged in a parallelrelationship. The first and second side support rails (202,204) may bemade as two identical components. The first and second side supportrails (202,204) each have a forward end (206,208) and an aft end(210,212), with the forward ends (206,208) and the aft ends (210,212)each having a hydrodynamic shape that allows the first and second sidesupport rails (202,204) to cut through the water more easily than if theforward ends (206,208) of the first and second side support rails(202,204) were more square.

[0056] The first and second side support rails (202,204) each have a topside (214,216) and a bottom side (218,220) where the bottom sides(218,220) are shaped as most boats are shaped, i.e. “U” or “V” shaped,with the bottom of the “U” or “V” pointing downwards. The top sides(214,216) of the first and second side of the support rail (202,204) isessentially flat. The first and second side support rails (202,204) eachare made as floatation devices, where the flotation devices are commonin the art of ships and canoes. The first and second side support rails(202,204) can be made watertight and hollow, with air inside providingbuoyancy or they may have light foam providing buoyancy or, as is donein canoes, watertight compartments in the forward (206,208) and aft ends(210,212) providing buoyancy.

[0057] The collapsible floating utility trailer (200) further has afirst trailer cross support (222) and a second trailer cross support(224). The first and second trailer cross support (222,224) separate thefirst and second side support rails (202,204) to a predetermined length,and maintain the first and second trailer cross support (222,224) in aparallel relationship. The first and second trailer cross support(222,224) may be made identical for manufacturing purposes. The firstand second trailer cross supports (222,224) each have a top surface(226,228) and a bottom surface (230,232). The top surfaces (226,228) ofthe first and second trailer cross supports (222,224) each has a recess(234,236). The recesses (234,236) provide additional storage area, and aflat surface for a collapsible storage compartment (248)when thecollapsible storage compartment (248)is installed. The bottom surfaces(230,232) have a stiffening block (238,239), where the stiffening blocks(238,239) project downwards and provide a means to attach to the firstand second side support rails (202,204).

[0058] One means of attachment for the first and second trailer crosssupports (222,224) to the first and second side support rails (202,204)is provided when the first and second trailer cross supports (222,224)each have a pair of slots (240,242). The slots (240,242) are located onopposing ends of the first and second trailer cross supports (222,224),and interlock with a recess (244,246) defined in the forward (206,208)and aft ends (210,212) of the first and second side support rails(202,204). The recesses (244,246) of the first and second side supportrails (202,204) have a shape complimentary to the pair of slots(240,242) in the first and second trailer cross supports (222,224). Theinterlocking feature herein defined may be made so the first and secondtrailer cross supports (222,224) either “snap” into the recesses(244,246) or are “press-fit” into the recesses (244,246) of the firstand second side support rails (202,204). By manufacturing the first andsecond trailer cross supports (222,224) and the first and second sidesupport rails (202,204) as identical components, fabrication andassembly costs will be reduced, and assembly is made easier asnon-identical parts located on left/right or port/starboard areeliminated.

[0059] The collapsible storage compartment (248) has a first side (250),an opposing second side (252), a top (254), a bottom (256), a rear(258), and a front (260). When the collapsible storage compartment (248)is in the expanded position, the first side (250) is essentiallyparallel to the second side (252). The bottom (256) is attached to thefirst side (250) and the second side (252) creating an essentially flatbottom for storage. The front (260) is attached to the bottom (256), thefirst side (250) and the second side (252). The top (254) is attached tothe front (260), the first side (250) and the second side (252). Therear (258) is attached to the first side (250), the second side (252),the top (254), and the bottom (256). When all the components areattached as herein defined, the collapsible storage compartment (248)becomes a water tight container that is capable of protecting theobjects stored from the outer environment, such as when the collapsiblefloating utility trailer (200) is used on the water. A zipper (264) orother means is installed onto the collapsible storage compartment (248)to allow access to an interior compartment (266). The zipper (264) orother means runs from the front (260) to the top (254), and ends at therear (258) of the collapsible storage compartment (248).

[0060] Support rods (268) are installed into the first (250) and secondside (252) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) in order toprovide support and give the collapsible storage compartment (248) thedesired shape. In the front (260) and the rear (258) of the collapsiblestorage compartment (248) guide means (270) are installed. The guidemeans (270) are attached to the support rods (268) in the first (250)and second side (252) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) andto the front (260) and rear (258) of the collapsible storage compartment(248) as necessary. The guide means (270) are known in the art offolding tables, and are typically made as a series of links, typicallyof four (4) distinct rods attached together. Typically the guide means(270) are assembled in the shape of a triangle, where a first rod (272)and a second rod (274) are attached together and oriented to create anangle of ninety (90) degrees. A third (276) and fourth (278) rod areattached together in line (180 degrees) where the third rod (276) isattached to the second rod (274), and the fourth rod (278) is attachedto the first rod (272). The first (272), second (274), third (276) andfourth rod (278) thereby create a triangular shape. The third (276) andfourth rod (278) each have interlocking detents (280, 282) to firmlyposition the guide means (270) into the triangular position. The first(272), second (274), third (276), and fourth rod (278) are attached in away so as to provide a tight frictional fit therebetween. Moving theattach point (284) between the third (276) and fourth rod (278) towardsthe attach point (286) between the first (272) and second rod (274)allows the guide means (270) to collapse, thereby collapsing thecollapsible storage compartment (248).

[0061] The optimal number of guide means (270) is four, where each guidemeans (270) is located in a corner of the collapsible storagecompartment (248). i.e. the corner where the first side (250), the front(260), and bottom (256) meet; the corner where the first side (250), therear (258), and the bottom (256) meet; the corner where the second side(252), the front (260), and bottom (256) meet; and the corner where thesecond side (252), the rear (258), and the bottom (256) meet.

[0062] The front (260) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) hasa front flap (288) that extends around the first trailer cross support(222). At a first loose end (290) of the front flap (288) a first set ofattach means (292) are located. Complementary attach means (294) arelocated on the first trailer cross support (222), and allow the frontflap (288) and hence the collapsible storage compartment (248) to beattached to the first trailer cross support (222). The rear (258) of thecollapsible storage compartment (248) has a rear flap (296) that extendsaround the second trailer cross support (224). At a second loose end(298) of the rear flap (296), a second set of attach means (300) arelocated. Complementary attach means (302) are located on the secondtrailer cross support (224) and allow the rear flap (296), and hence thecollapsible storage compartment (248) to be attached to the secondtrailer cross support (224).

[0063] The first side (250) has a third set of attach means (304)located on a bottom edge (306) of the first side (250). A complementaryset of attach means (308) is located on the first side support rail(202). When the third set of attach means (304) are connected to thecomplementary set of attach (308) means located on the first sidesupport rail (202), the first side (250), and hence the collapsiblestorage compartment (248) is attached to the first side support rail(202). The second side (252) has a fourth set of attach means (310)located on a bottom edge (312) of the second side (252). A complementaryset of attach means (314) is located on the second side support rail(204). When the fourth set of attach means (310) are connected to thecomplementary set of attach means (314) located on the second supportrail (204), the second side (252), and hence the collapsible storagecompartment (248) is attached to the second side support rail (204). Inorder to remove the collapsible storage compartment (248) from the firstand second side support rails (202,204), and the first and secondtrailer cross supports (222,224), the attach means(292,294,300,302,304,308,310,314) must be disconnected, thereby allowingthe collapsible storage compartment (248) to be removed from a trailerframe and collapsed for easy storage.

[0064] The attach means (292,294,300,302,304,308,310,314) may be snaps,over center latches, or Velcro® or other easily removable attach means.

[0065] The first and second side support rails (202,204) each haverecesses (316,318,320,322) in the bottom (218,220) to accommodate theinstallation of wheel assemblies (324). In one embodiment, a wheel (326)with a through rod (328) is installed into the predefined recess(316,318,320,322), and the wheel (326) is “snap fit” into position,preventing unwanted movement or loss of the wheel (326). There wouldgenerally be at least 2 wheels (326) installed in the first and secondside support rails (202,204), providing adequate rolling support for thetrailer (200).

[0066] In a second embodiment of a wheel assembly, a wheel assembly(329) is bolted into the first and second side support rails (202,204),thus allowing the wheel (326) to rotate and provide a small amount ofsteering to the front and/or rear of the side support rails (202,204).The wheel assembly (329) consists of a wheel (326) having a through rod(328), and a “U” shaped bracket (330) that positions the wheel (326)therein. The “U” shaped bracket (330) has a bolt (332) projectingupwards to attach to a nut (334) installed in the recesses of the firstand second side support rails (202,204).

[0067] A third embodiment of the disclosed invention is the preferredembodiment. Figure twenty three shows a perspective view of the thirdembodiment of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400).

[0068] The floating collapsible utility trailer (400) has a first sidesupport rail (402) and a second side support rail (404). The first andsecond side support rails (402,404) are made as opposing matingcomponents. The first and second side support rails (402,404) each havea forward end (406,410) and an aft end (408,412), the forward ends(406,410) and the aft ends (408,412) each having a hydrodynamic shapethat allows the first and second side support rails (402,404) to cutthrough the water more easily than if the first and second side supportrails (402,404) were made more square.

[0069] A left rail assembly (414) is comprised of the first side supportrail (402), where the first side support rail (402) has a first floorsupport (416). The first floor support (416) extends towards an insideportion (418) of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400). Inorder to provide the maximum amount of support for the first floorsupport (416), a series of stiffening grooves (420) are incorporatedinto the first floor support (416). The first floor support (416) has aforward end (422) and an aft end (424). The aft end (424) of the firstfloor support (416) has an aft wall (426) projecting upwards. The firstside rail (402) has a first side wall (428) projecting upwards where anaft end (430) of the first side wall (428) intersects with the aft wall(426) of the first floor support (416) creating a aft water-tight corner(432). The forward end (422) of the first floor support (416) has afirst forward wall (434) projecting upwards. The first forward wall(434) may be inclined and shaped to provide a proper hydrodynamic shape,which also is visually pleasing to the owner of the floating collapsiblefloating utility trailer (400). The left rail assembly (414) has a firsthand hold (436) defined therein, where the first hand hold (436) allowsfor easy grasping of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400).

[0070] A right rail assembly (438) of the floating collapsible utilitytrailer (400) is comprised of the second side support rail (404), wherethe second side support rail (404) has a second floor support (440). Thesecond floor support (440) extends towards the inside portion (418) ofthe floating collapsible utility trailer (400). In order to provide themaximum amount of support for the second floor support (440), a seriesof stiffening grooves (442) are incorporated into the second floorsupport (440). The stiffening grooves (442) incorporated into the secondfloor support (440) are essentially in line, and parallel to thestiffening grooves (420) in the first floor support (416). The rightrail assembly (438) has a second hand hold (444) defined therein, wherethe first hand hold (436) allows for easy grasping of the floatingcollapsible utility trailer (400).

[0071] The first and second hand holds (436,444) are generally opposingeach other when the floating collapsible utility trailer (400) isexpanded, allowing two individuals to easily carry the expanded floatingcollapsible utility trailer (400).

[0072] The second floor support (440) has a forward end (446) and an aftend (448). The aft end (448) of the second floor support (440) has anaft wall (450) projecting upwards. The second side rail (404) has asecond side wall (452) projecting upwards where an aft end (454) of thesecond side wall (452) intersects with the aft wall (450) of the secondfloor support (440) creating an aft water tight corner (456). Theforward end (446) of the second floor support (440) has a second forwardwall (458) projecting upwards. The second forward wall (458) may beinclined and shaped to provide a proper hydrodynamic shape, which alsois visually pleasing to the owner of the floating collapsible floatingutility trailer (400).

[0073] In order to provide for the best water tight sealing for thefloating collapsible floating utility trailer (400), the aft wall (426)of the first floor support (416) and the aft wall (450) of the secondfloor support (440) meet at a mid plane of the floating collapsiblefloating utility trailer (400) Correspondingly, the first floor support(416) and the second floor support (440) meet at the mid plane of thefloating collapsible utility trailer (400) as well as the forward end(422) of the first floor support (416) and the forward end (446) of thesecond floor support (440) meeting at the mid plane of the floatingcollapsible floating utility trailer (400).

[0074] A first hinge means (460) is located on a top side (462,464) ofthe aft wall (426,450) of the first and second floor support (416,440),while a second hinge means (466) is located on a top side (468,470) ofthe forward wall (434,458) of the first and second floor support(416,440). The hinge means (460,466) may be simple “piano hinges”, or bemade from flexible material, or other type means.

[0075] A first latch means (472) is shown attached to a bottom side(474,476) of the forward wall (434,458) of the first and second floorsupport (416,440), while a second latch means (478)(not shown) isattached to a bottom side (480,482) of the aft wall (426,450) of thefirst and second floor support (416,440).

[0076] In order to provide for the greatest buoyancy of the floatingcollapsible utility trailer (400), the left rail assembly (414) isdesigned having a first outer hull (484). The first outer hull (484) isdepicted in FIG. 27 and is shown having a first bottom (486), a firstside (488), a second bottom (490), and a first gunwale (492). The firstfloor support (416) is shown above the first bottom (486) creating aspace (494) therebetween. A first interior wall (496) is shown opposingthe first gunwale (492). As is shown, the first gunwale (492), the firstfloor support (416), the first interior wall (496), the first side(488), the first bottom (486), the second bottom (490), and a first midwall (498) is shown creating a volume (500) therein enclosed. Theenclosed volume (500) is water tight, and may be filled with a buoyancyenhancing material such as foam, or even air.

[0077] In order to provide for the greatest buoyancy of the floatingcollapsible utility trailer (400), right rail assembly (438) is designedhaving a second outer hull (485). The second outer hull (485) isdepicted in FIG. 27 and is shown having a third bottom (487), a secondside (489), a fourth bottom (491), and a second gunwale (493). Thesecond floor support (440) is shown above the second bottom (487)creating a space (495) therebetween. A second interior wall (497) isshown opposing the second gunwale (493). As is shown, the second gunwale(493), the second floor support (440), the second interior wall (497),the second side (489), the third bottom (487), the fourth bottom (491),and a second mid wall (499) is shown creating a second volume (501)therein enclosed. The second volume (501) is water tight, and may befilled with a buoyancy enhancing material such as foam, or even air.

[0078] The first mid wall (498) is shown having a tongue (502)projecting into a corresponding groove (504) in the second mid wall(499). A gasket (506) is shown interspaced between the right railassembly (438) and the left rail assembly (414) assuring that there willbe a reduction, if not elimination of water leakage into the interior(418) of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400). The gasket(506) may be attached to either the right rail (438) or left railassembly (414), where the best location would be in a groove (508) ofthe right rail assembly (438), thereby protecting the gasket (506) frominadvertent damage. The right rail assembly (438) is made a mirror imageof the left rail assembly (414) except for the differences hereindescribed.

[0079] The left rail assembly (414) has defined therein a first recess(510) and a second recess (512). A first wheel assembly (514) is showninserted into the first recess (510), while a second wheel assembly(516) is shown inserted into the second recess (512). The right railassembly (438) has defined therein a third recess (518) and a fourthrecess (520). A third wheel assembly (522) is shown inserted into thethird recess (518), while a fourth wheel assembly (524) is showninserted into the fourth recess (520). The first, second, third, andfourth wheel assemblies (514,516,522,524) are mounted into theirrespective recesses (510,512,518,520) in a conventional fashion that iswill known in the art.

[0080] A first forward portion (526) of the left rail assembly (414) isshown having a first through slot (528) defined therein. A first forwardportion (530) of the right rail assembly (438) is shown having a secondthrough slot (532) defined therein. The first through slot (528) and thesecond through slot (532) provide a means to attach a tow rope or hitchto the floating collapsible utility trailer in order to allow thefloating collapsible utility trailer to be towed by a boat or pulled onland (using the aforementioned wheel assemblies).

[0081] A collapsible storage compartment (534) is shown expanded andpositioned on the floating collapsible utility trailer (400). Thecollapsible storage compartment (534) has a first side (536), andopposing second side (538), a top (540), and a bottom (542). The front(548) of the collapsible storage compartment (534) has a first supportrod (544), while the rear (550) of the collapsible storage compartment(534) has a second support rod (546). The first and second support rods(544,546) expanding the collapsible storage compartment (534) to itsmaximum volumetric capacity. The top (540) of the collapsible storagecompartment (534) has a zipper means (552), the zipper means (552) beinggenerally “U” shaped and allowing for a maximum opening when the zippermeans (552) is un-hooked thereby allowing access to an interior of thecollapsible storage compartment (534). The collapsible storagecompartment (534) is held in place by the first and second support rod's(544,546) inherent stiffness in that the first side (536), opposingsecond side (538), front (548) and rear (550) are expanded to fill theinterior (418) of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400), andare forcibly held in place. Standard attach means (not shown) areattached onto the collapsible storage compartment (534) to fix thecollapsible storage compartment (534) in place.

[0082] Figure twenty six shows the floating collapsible utility trailer(400) in its storage state, whereby the left rail assembly (414) andright rail assembly (438) contact each other. The first and second handholds (436,444) are shown adjacent to each other on the left railassembly (414) and the right rail assembly (438) providing a mountingmeans, and a carrying means to position and mount the floatingcollapsible utility trailer (400) on a wall or ceiling.

What is claimed is:
 1. A floating collapsible utility trailer,comprising: a) a bow, said bow being essentially triangular in shape andbeing located in the front of the floating collapsible utility trailer,a stern, said stern being located in the rear portion of the floatingcollapsible utility trailer, said bow and said stern each being attachedto a port side and a starboard side, a bottom, said bottom attaching tosaid bow, said stern, said port side and said starboard side, a topportion, said top portion attaching to said bow, said stern, said portside and said starboard side, said top portion defining an internalwatertight cavity therein; b) means to remove a top protective flap fromsaid top portion creating access to said watertight cavity; c) means forflotation of the floating collapsible utility trailer, said means forflotation being located on said bottom of the floating collapsibleutility trailer; d) a first bottom rail, said first bottom rail beingattached to said bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer andlocated on said starboard side, a second bottom rail, said second bottomrail being attached to said bottom of the floating collapsible utilitytrailer and located on said port side, at least four wheel means, a pairof said wheel means being attached to said first bottom rail, anotherpair of said wheel means being attached to said second bottom rail, saidfour wheel means creating a quadrilateral relationship between eachother; e) means to separate said first bottom rail and said secondbottom rail when the floating collapsible utility trailer is expanded tocarry objects; f) means to store said means to separate said firstbottom rail and said second bottom rail when the floating collapsibleutility trailer is collapsed; g) means to tow the floating collapsibleutility trailer on land; h) means to tow the floating collapsibleutility trailer in the water; and i) strap means to secure the floatingcollapsible utility trailer in a collapsed state when not in use
 2. Thefloating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a)said means to separate said first bottom rail and said second bottomrail is at least two spreader bar assemblies, a first spreader barassembly is pivotably attached to said first bottom rail and isthreadably secured to said second bottom rail, a second spreader barassembly is pivotably attached to said second bottom rail and isthreadably secured to said first bottom rail.
 3. The floatingcollapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a) saidmeans for flotation consists of a first lower flotation support, and asecond lower flotation support, said first lower flotation support beinglocated on said port side and on said bottom of the floating collapsibleutility trailer, said second lower flotation support being locate onsaid starboard side and on said bottom of the floating collapsibleutility trailer; b) said means for flotation further consists of a firstbow flotation support, said first bow flotation support being located onsaid starboard side of said bow, said second bow flotation support beinglocated on said port side of said bow, a central bow flotation supportlocated between said first and said second bow flotation supports,towards the front of said bow of the floating collapsible utilitytrailer; and c) means for removing said first bow flotation support fromsaid starboard side bow, and means for removing said second bowflotation support from said port side bow.
 4. The floating collapsibleutility trailer as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a) said means for towingthe floating collapsible utility trailer in the water consists of atleast four straps, a first strap and a second strap being located onsaid starboard side and located towards said top portion of saidstarboard side with said first strap being fixed near said bow of thefloating collapsible utility trailer, and said second strap being fixednear said stern of the floating collapsible utility trailer, a thirdstrap and a fourth strap being located towards said top portion withsaid third strap being fixed near said bow of the floating collapsibleutility trailer and said fourth strap being fixed towards said stern ofthe floating collapsible utility trailer.
 5. The floating collapsibleutility trailer as claimed in claim one, wherein: a) said bottom of thefloating collapsible utility trailer has a multiplicity of bottomsupports, said multiplicity of bottom supports being attached to saidbottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer and extends from saidbow to said stern of the floating collapsible utility trailer stiffeningsaid bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer, therebyoffering support for articles stowed within said internal watertightcavity.
 6. A floating collapsible utility trailer, comprising: a) afirst side support rail and a second side support rail, said first andsecond side support rails being arranged in a parallel relationship,said first and second side support rails each having a forward end, anaft end, a top and a bottom, said top of said first and second sidesupport rails being essentially flat, said bottom of said first andsecond side support rails being shaped, said first and second sidesupport rails being watertight and hollow and providing buoyancythereby; b) means to separate said first said second side support railwhen the floating collapsible utility trailer is expanded to carryobjects; c) said forward ends of said first and second side supportrails each having a hydrodynamic shape thereby reducing drag; d) acollapsible storage compartment, said collapsible storage compartmenthaving a first side, a second side, a front, a bottom, and a top, saidfirst and second sides being essentially parallel when expanded saidcollapsible storage compartment being water tight defining an interiorcompartment therein, said collapsible storage compartment having a meansto gain access therein, said collapsible storage compartment havingsupport rods installed on said first side and said second side, saidcollapsible storage compartment having guide means attached to saidsupport rods; e) means to secure said collapsible storage compartmentonto said floating collapsible utility trailer; f) means to tow thefloating collapsible utility trailer on land; and g) means to tow thefloating collapsible utility trailer in the water.
 7. The floatingcollapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 6, wherein: a) saidmeans to separate said first said second side support rail consists of afirst and a second trailer cross support, said first and second trailercross supports each having a top and a bottom surface, said top of saidfirst and second trailer cross support having a recess defined therein,said first and second trailer cross supports having a bottom surface,said bottom surface stiffening block defined thereon, said stiffeningblock providing an attach means to said first and second side supportrail; and b) said attach means defined on said bottom surface of saidfirst and second trailer cross supports being a pair of slots definedtherein, said top of said first and second side support rails having arecess defined in said forward and said aft ends, each of said pair ofslots attaching to said recess on said top of said first and second sidesupport rail and being interlockingly fixed to said recesses defined insaid forward and said aft ends of said first and second side supportrails.
 8. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim6, wherein said means to secure said collapsible storage compartmentonto said floating collapsible utility trailer consists of a) a frontflap, a rear flap, a first side and a second side, said front flaphaving a first set of attach means, said first trailer cross supporthaving complimentary attach means to allow said front flap to beremovably attached to said first trailer cross support; b) said rearflap having a second set of attach means, said second trailer crosssupport having complimentary attach means to allow said rear flap to beremovably attached to said second trailer cross support; c) said firstside having a third set of attach means, said third set of attach meansbeing located ons a bottom edge of said first side and being removablyattached to a complimentary attach means located on said first sidesupport rail; and d) said second side having a fourth set of attachmeans, said fourth set of attach means being located ons a bottom edgeof said second side and being removably attached to a complimentaryattach means located on said second side support rail
 9. The floatingcollapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 6 wherein said means totow said tow the floating collapsible utility trailer on land comprises;a) said first side support rail having recesses defined on said bottomsurface, said recesses allowing a wheel assembly to be attached to eachrecess therein; and b) said second side support rail having recessesdefined on said bottom surface, said recesses allowing a wheel assemblyto be attached to each recess therein.
 10. A floating collapsibleutility trailer, comprising: a) a left rail assembly having a first sidesupport rail, said first side support rail having a forward and an aftend, said first side support rail having a first floor support, saidfirst floor support extending towards an inside portion of the floatingcollapsible utility trailer, said first floor support having stiffeninggrooves defined therein; b) said first floor support having a forwardend and an aft end, said aft end of said first floor support having anaft wall projecting upwards, said first side rail having a first sidewall projecting upwards and intersecting with said aft wall creating awatertight corner, said forward end of said first floor support having afirst forward wall, said first forward wall projecting upwards andintersects with said first side wall creating a watertight corner, saidfirst side wall having a first hand hold defined therein; c) a rightrail assembly having a second side support rail, said second sidesupport rail having a forward and an aft end, said second side supportrail having a second floor support, said second floor support extendingtowards an inside portion of the floating collapsible utility trailer,said second floor support having stiffening grooves defined therein; d)said second floor support having a forward end and an aft end, said aftend of said second floor support having an aft wall projecting upwards,said second side rail having a second side wall projecting upwards andintersecting with said aft wall creating a watertight corner, saidforward end of said second floor support having a second forward wall,said second forward wall projecting upwards and intersecting with saidsecond side wall creating a watertight corner, said second side wallhaving a second hand hold defined therein; e) a first hinge means, saidfirst hinge means being located on a top side of said aft wall on saidleft and right rail assembly, a second hinge means, said second hingemeans being located on a top side of said forward wall of said left andright side rail assembly, a latch means, said latch means being locatedon a bottom side of said forward wall of said first and second floorsupport, a second latch means being attached to a bottom side of saidaft wall of said first and second floor support, said left rail assemblyand said right rail assembly hingeably meeting at a mid plane; f) saidleft rail assembly having a first outer hull, said first outer hullhaving a first bottom, a first side, a second bottom and a firstgunwale, said first floor support being located above said first bottomcreating a space therebetween, a first interior wall is shown opposingsaid first gunwale, said first gunwale, said first floor support saidfirst interior wall, said first side, said first bottom, said secondbottom, and said first mid wall creating a volume therein, said volumebeing water tight; g) said right rail assembly having a second outerhull, said second outer hull having a third bottom, a second side, afourth bottom and a second gunwale, said second floor support beinglocated above said third bottom creating a space therebetween, a secondinterior wall is shown opposing said second gunwale, said secondgunwale, said second floor support said second interior wall, saidsecond side, said third bottom, said fourth bottom, and said second midwall creating a volume therein, said volume being water tight; h) saidfirst mid wall having a tongue defined thereon, said right rail assemblyhaving a groove defined therein to receive said tongue; I) said leftrail assembly further having a first recess and a second recess definedtherein, a first wheel assembly being fixedly inserted into said firstrecess, and a second wheel assembly being fixedly inserted into saidsecond recess, said right rail assembly further having a third recessand a fourth recess defined therein, a third wheel assembly beingfixedly inserted into said third recess, and a fourth wheel assemblybeing fixedly inserted into said fourth recess; and j) said forwardportion of said left rail assembly having a first through slot definedtherein, said first forward portion of said right rail assembly having asecond through slot defined therein, said first and second through slothaving means to attach a tow rope thereupon.
 11. The floatingcollapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 10 further having; a) acollapsible storage compartment, said collapsible storage compartmenthaving a first side, a second side a top, a bottom, a front and a rear,said front of said collapsible storage compartment having a firstsupport rod, said rear of said collapsible storage compartment having asecond support rod, said first and second support rods providing shapeand support for said collapsible storage compartment; b) said top ofsaid collapsible storage compartment having a zipper means to allowaccess to said collapsible storage compartment; and c) said collapsiblestorage compartment being attached to said left and right railassemblies by attach means.